Pet Blogger Challenge 2014

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I’ve done this challenge twice before because I always love an opportunity to think through what I’m doing and put together a strategy for moving forward. For non-bloggers this might be a tedious post, so feel free to come back tomorrow when I unveil a covert project that Newt has been working on or next week when I have a week-long giveaway bonanza (again!) of Healthy New Year products!

And now {{drumroll}} the Pet Blogger Challenge 2014:

1. How long have you been blogging? Please tell us why you started blogging, and, for anyone stopping by for the first time, give us a quick description of what your blog is about.

I started in May 2009. I had another blog up and running, but it just wasn’t inspiring or keeping me motivated… which was the whole reason I had started a blog in the first place. At that time, I had been working in marketing/communications roles for about six years, and I was feeling creatively drained. The blog was supposed to rekindle that spark, but it didn’t. So, I asked myself: What will keep you inspired? What can you write about day in and day out without getting tired of it? My dogs, of course! I started with stories about Emmett and Lucas, then expanded into animal welfare topics – particularly pit bulls, therapy dog work, expanding our herd, pet products, and so on. And that’s what I’m still covering now, nearly four years later.

2. Name one thing about your blog, or one blogging goal that you accomplished during 2013, that made you most proud.

3. When you look at the post you wrote for last year’s Pet Blogger Challenge, or just think back over the past year, what about blogging has changed the most for you?

I seriously struggle with this question because in 2010 I decided to start freelancing full-time, so I needed to make a living off of my writing. Writing for clients, pitching, marketing myself, and so on all day long forced me to de-prioritize the blog for a while. Then, after well over a year, I realized that I could make the blog part of my freelance business if it could earn a smidge of income – then I could justify taking time away from building my own business to work on the blog. I tested a bunch of different things, some of which were huge failures and some worked out fairly well. In 2013 I started to think about it more strategically. We’ll see if any of those ideas work out for 2014.

4. What lessons have you learned this year – from other blogs, or through your own experience – that could help us all with our own sites?

Over the holidays, I unsubscribed to a number of blogs and newsletters that just didn’t interest me any longer. When I looked at the ones that remained, I realized that most of them have one thing in common: an authentic voice. My takeaway from that is to write with authenticity. Be yourself in every post!

If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

One question I’ve had is how much consistency or regularity do people want from a blog? Like, does it make sense to have a schedule – training tips on Tuesdays, for example – or does that even matter?

Oh! And a second one (sorry to cheat!!) but do people like getting a newsletter with content that’s unique from what’s offered on the blog? I’ve thought about starting one and moving some stuff there (like free downloads and giveaways) but haven’t felt confident enough to take the plunge!

5. What have you found to be the best ways to bring more traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?

Having a Facebook page. I resisted for a while, but it’s been great for connecting with people and sharing links.

6. How much time to do you spend publicizing your blog, and do you think you should spend more or less in the coming year?

Not enough, so MORE! Other than sharing my links on Facebook and Twitter on most days (pathetic, right??) I don’t do much else. I plan to change that in 2014.

7. How do you gauge whether or not what you’re writing is appealing to your audience?

This is a toughie. I used to think it was comments, but I read a stat that said something like only 1% of people who read a post will actually comment. Last summer I made a spreadsheet of the different social channels and started tracking shares across the different platforms. I think that global view is what you need to figure out what’s working and what isn’t.

How do you know when it’s time to let go of a feature or theme that you’ve been writing about for a while?

If no one is engaging with it by leaving a comment or liking on Facebook or re-tweeting, then it’s probably time to say goodbye.

8. When you’re visiting other blogs, what inspires you to comment on a post rather than just reading and moving on?

I like when bloggers pose a question at the end to spark a discussion. I tend to comment if I feel like I can add to the conversation or give support in some way.

9. Do you do product reviews and/or giveaways? If so, what do you find works best, and what doesn’t work at all?

I love, love, LOVE doing giveaways. Early on I figured out the plain old product reviews just don’t work for my particular audience. People would skim then click away, which didn’t do anything for me or the brand that provided the product. So, I made it compulsory that, if a brand wants me to review a product, they need to provide a second product for a giveaway.

10. When writer’s block strikes and you’re feeling dog-tired, how do you recharge?

This is MUCH harder for me with my freelance work because when I’m out of ideas for the blog I just go for a walk with the dogs and end up with stories for a week! In all seriousness, going out for a walk definitely helps, as does reading other blogs, books, and magazines.

11. Have you ever taken a break from your blog? How did that go?

I took sporadic breaks throughout 2012 as I was undergoing chemo. I really wanted to keep up with the blog, but I couldn’t swing a regular schedule. Whole weeks would go by without a post. It took a toll – my readership took a serious dive, and it took most of 2013 to regain some of that lost ground. I mean, not that I’m upset by that at all!! People who wouldn’t wait out chemo aren’t people I want as friends and readers anyway! 🙂 However, I don’t intend to take any more breaks because it was frustrating.

Have you ever thought about quitting your blog altogether? What makes you stay?

I’ve never considered quitting. It’s too much fun! But what makes me stay is the connection. I’ve met some incredible people who share my passion for all things dog. I adore everyone who takes the time out of their busy lives to comment and share, and I think (I hope!) that we all keep each other inspired and motivated.

12. What goals do you have for your blog in 2014?

Resolving the income issue mentioned above is part of my 2014 plan. But what I really need is a new design! I plan on hiring someone (probably through Etsy) to help me implement some behind-the-scenes stuff that I’m struggling with – like, where the crap do you put that html file for the Webmaster tool?! – and making the design match my vision.

Whew! If you made it this far, THANK YOU! 🙂 This was a lot of fun to work through. I plan on combing through the Linky to read about everyone else’s strategies… I can’t wait to read everybody’s fabulous ideas!

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Comments

I used to do product reviews and giveaways but maybe I did them wrong if they are something you find valuable. I would have dozens and dozens of entrants who found my giveaway from blogs where they collect giveaway links. People would enter who may not even have a dog.

You know, that’s a really good point. Giveaways haven’t actually affected my traffic at all! I don’t get any more readers than usual or new subscribers. I think I find them valuable simply because I find them fun! 🙂

I’m glad to see how excited you still are about keeping this blog thriving. It’s such a treasure and we sure do have a long blogging history together. 🙂 I hope you find the perfect tech geek to update the site to that of your dreams and best of luck in the income arena!

NYT mention is HUGE – congrats!
I’m currently hesitant on the Facebook (and Pinterest) front to create blog pages, given my personal Facebook isn’t even very active, but the more similar answers I’m reading on that front are all very clear that they’re good blog-boosters.

That’s a good point, Jen. I probably post on my personal FB page once a week… if that. I hesitated to do a page for the blog, but I was finally convinced after I went to BlogPaws. It has made a bit of a difference, though it does add a layer of upkeep! I’m trying to get better about maintaining the page this year. If you decide to take the plunge, let us know so we can all click over and like your page!

I’ve used a schedule mostly for myself. It’s easier to stay organized when I know that Monday is always for Puppiness Project or its current iteration, Good for the Dog; Good for You and Wednesday is always wordless.

Of course, I break those rules all the time. No use being rigid.

I’m impressed that you’ve been able to think strategically about where your blog fits in with your freelance writing. It sounds like you’ve achieved a good balance.

That’s a really helpful way of looking at a schedule. I like the idea of having that guideline, and I do appreciate having some idea of what to expect on others’ blogs. Thanks for weighing in with your expertise!

I hope I didn’t give the illusion that I’ve achieved a strategic balance! 🙂 I’m really striving toward finding balance, though I’m becoming more and more convinced that it’s a myth. I guess what I meant to say or convey is that I’m hoping to stop wasting so much time on tasks and activities (for the blog and for work) that don’t contribute. Time is far too precious! At least, that’s what I’m striving for…

Reading these has been so interesting! My key thing for this year is consistency and to make sure to post twice a week. My work schedule won’t allow for more, but there is no reason to slack on just two posts!

It was great to see you address the issue of how to balance freelance writing with blogging — and have you come up with the decision to make your blog pay! I arrived at a similar decision before I took my blog break, and I did start making a little money, if not enough to justify the time I spent on my blog. It’s different now. Without doing product reviews or having content that’s a bit more useful — as opposed to personal –I’m not sure I can monetize my blog again, but it’s something to think about.

When I first started blogging, I was naive about how expensive of an endeavor it is – from the hosting fees and all that technical stuff to the time investment. When I didn’t have a pile medical bills, it was easy to let it be more of a fun side project, but it’s been hard for me to justify those expenses now. I haven’t figured it out yet, but this blog has to do a little more heavy lifting! I felt stressed about putting that out there because I also fear alienating readers, but… if I’m to keep it up in any meaningful way, the reality of our situation is that it needs to pull some weight!

Oh! So happy to have found your blog through the blog hop. I actually have your blog in my Bloglovin’ feed, but a lot of the site formatting is lost. When I came to your post through the blog hop, I got to see your site and let me say: I love your site design!

I took a moment to go to your “About Me” page and I love those dogs of yours! I’m a big-dog girl anyway, and think your dogs have such “wise” faces! And then to read that you’re a R+ trainer — even better! Me, too! Looking forward to reading more of your posts, can’t wait!

It’s interesting that you’ve worked in the marketing/communications field and are using your blog to stay inspired while I worked in a different field buy my blog inspired me to change careers and go into the marketing/communications field. I am in my second quarter of grad school in Digitial Communications.

Congrats on being mentioned in the New York Times. That is awesome.

As for the newsletter, I follow so many blogs via RSS I know I prefer to get newsletters that are more than just “here is my latest post”. However, I know that some people only subscribe to blogs via email and want to be updated on the latest posts. My current newsletter is basically just my RSS feed but I hope to improve it…maybe this year. I plan to include my new posts but also ad a few “bonus” things to make it less boring. I imagine it being the best of both worlds…if I can figure out how to do it and actually have the time to add the bonus stuff 🙂

It must be so difficult to balance it all with grad school. Good for you!! I’d love to know what you plan to do when you finish!

Thanks so much for the insights about the newsletter. I think your comment was the push I needed, and I’m feeling like you helped clarify what I had in mind all along. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! I’m excited to see where you take your newsletter this year!

I love your comment about an “authentic voice”. I think those are the blogs that speak the most to me as well.

I love that you address the issue of balancing the blog with freelance work. I think we all see that, even those of us who don’t freelance full time. When I can spend 3 or 4 hours working on paid pieces, it can sometimes be hard to justify spending 10 or 15 hours on a new craft or recipe post for free. I love that you’ve found a way to make it worth it. Definitely one of my goals for 2014 is to manage that balance a little better.

It’s exciting that you have found a way to have your blog make a little money for you, that was originally my goal for a while but since you read my post, well you know that flew out the window! LOL it’s okay though, I’m good with it. 🙂

As for the writer’s block…..well you and I do the same thing. There is something about being out there walking with my dogs that is so freeing, and gets those juices flowing. 🙂

I’m very glad you made it through the chemo and still came back and found your blogging groove.

I hope to be a little bit better about checking in with everyone, but there are so many great blogs!!

I’ve been struggling with the making money thing… not wanting to come across as a sellout versus paying off a year’s worth of chemo… hmm. 🙂 I really appreciate your kind words, Jodi! I look forward to seeing all that’s in store for you and your blog in 2014!

Still making my way through the list. It will take at least a week at this rate.

Really happy I discovered your blog.

Congratulations on the NYTimes mention. That’s huge!

Re: newsletters. One of the things I’ve seen is that people sometimes like a digest–a summary of what happened over the week. Then, if they didn’t have time to visit your site during the week, they get a reminder with a little bit of content/teaser copy and can decide to visit from that.

Good for you for making it through! I only got halfway, then I was so overwhelmed with all the wonderful new ideas!! Thank you so much for your suggestions re: newsletters. That’s a really great point about teasing posts to get people to click on over. Heading over to your G+ community now! 🙂

My authentic voice is so deeply earnest that I suspect it scares readers away. But,it is what it is. If you can’t handle a 600 word review of a harness, we weren’t meant to be.

I can’t commit to social media. I got the blog a twitter feed and it’s own e-mail. Outside of that it gets awkward, mostly because I haven’t told anyone in my real life about the blog. Also, I have never understood Pinterest as marketing tool and probably never will.

I’m happy to see your determination to stick around! If you discover the secrets to becoming rich and famous, please let me know.

It’s interesting to see you’re taking a considered approach to earning money from your blog. It must be hard if you’re making money from your writing to understand where to focus your time – they say once you get paid for something, you start to enjoy it less. Have you found that to be the case? Anyway, I wish you all he best for 2014.

Time management is seriously an issue for me! So far, I haven’t gotten paid nearly enough to feel less enjoyment. 🙂 Although, I love the work I do for a living… some of the tasks related to running a freelance business definitely decrease the enjoyment, but I love the work. I feel confident (and hopeful!) that would be the case with the blog, too.

I saw the NYT mention back when the story ran. Definitely impressive Maggie.

Webmasters define success in different ways. Some would say that breaking even is a success, turning a profit, getting a lot of traffic, moving to a VPS, etc.

I’d say you have a successful blog. You get a lot of comments and repeater commenters on posts. This shows you have an engaged readership base which a lot of blogs, even with high traffic, do not have.

That is VERY kind of you, Adam. Thank you. Seriously, every day I feel so grateful for the fabulous people who come here and Facebook to share stories about their dogs. It’s incredible to see the passion and love that everyone has for their pups!

Are you heading to any conferences this year? Will I see you at BlogPaws?